あまのじゃく

あまのじゃく
noun, na-adjective
contrarian, perverse person
informalpersonality
1. contrarian, perverse person, someone who does the opposite
A person who deliberately does or says the opposite of what others expect or want. Common trait in children going through rebellious phases.
あまのじゃくだ
You're such a contrarian.
That child is contrary, so they won't show happiness straightforwardly.
I actually like it, but being contrary, I said I hate it.

Kanji: Written as 天邪鬼(あまのじゃく) or (あま)(じゃ)().

Etymology: Originally a demon from Japanese folklore that could read minds and did the opposite of what people wanted. The name comes from Buddhist and Shinto mythology.

Usage: Can function as a noun or na-adjective (あまのじゃくな).

Nuance: Often used affectionately for children who are being deliberately contrary, or self-deprecatingly by adults who recognize this trait in themselves (especially in romantic contexts - people who act cold when they're actually interested).

Psychology: Sometimes describes tsundere-like behavior where someone expresses the opposite of their true feelings.